A selection of recent news items about HS2:
Independent: Saving Time but Wasting Money: HS2 is on track
It wouldn’t be a total surprise if we found out the new high-speed rail service linking London to Birmingham was a Poundland-backed conspiracy, created to enable their high-flying executives to get to Soho parties 20 minutes faster so they don’t miss any free champagne.
Because really, who else is HS2 going to benefit?
Those travelling for leisure reasons don’t need to save half an hour, and the high prices will almost certainly cause them to opt for a cheaper option anyway; most students will not be able to afford to use the service; pensioners visiting grandchildren are not in any rush. HS2 has only business people in mind; business people who in 2030 will be teleconferencing even more than now.
ITV: Those affected by HS2 offered advice
Nearly 300 people have attended an information event in Kenilworth about the controversial High Speed Rail project.
Warrington Guardian: Warrington’s rail line will not be cut off from London say HS2 chiefs
THE people behind the new high speed link from London to the north have said Warrington will not lose out.
Last week the Warrington Guardian reported on a document which appeared to miss off the town on its route from London to Glasgow along the West Coast Main Line.
Daily Post (Wales): North Wales may get high-speed rail, but won’t get Barnett cash
One economic analysis of the plan found Wales would have 21,000 fewer jobs because of HS2 to 2040, and 0.04% annual growth and £600 lower average income.
The country would be hit because the major cities in the north of England and Scotland would be brought closer to London.
That is why critics such as Arfon Plaid Cymru MP Hywel Williams believe Wales should get £1.9bn in Barnett consequentials, which could be used to electrify the North Wales main line, and link north and south better.
Leamington Courier: HS2 construction compound could be based in Cubbington
…Peter Delow, the chairman of Cubbington Action Group Against HS2, said: “While we appreciate that such facilities will be required should the construction of HS2 go-ahead, it’s something of a bombshell to learn that Cubbington has been selected for this dubious honour. The people living on this stretch of Leicester Lane will be badly affected by the construction and operation of the railway itself, so the added impacts of the construction compound will just add to the misery. I think we can expect the impacts of construction to include noise, dust, possible night disturbance and increased heavy goods traffic on the A445.”
Solihull News: Residents raise HS2 concerns at Hampton-in-Arden meeting
Meriden MP, Caroline Spelman, added: “It can be difficult for residents in this position. When I started in this constituency [in 1997], there were still people trying to get compensation because they’d been affected by the building of the M42.”
The HS2 Working Party is a cross-party group of members, who are meeting at regular intervals to discuss issues arising from the multi-billion pound rail project.
Among the other concerns raised at the meeting was the loss of local footpaths – 14 will be severed in Solihull – and the design of aqueducts, which will carry the 200mph trains.
The article quoted repeats its mistake, going on to quote Coun Courts as saying “Some aqueducts are very pleasant to look at – and some aren’t”. Aqueducts!! – clearly Solihull thinks it is getting a high speed canal! Expense, disturbance and extra noise due to the splashing!